Work Permit Eligibility

[midas]

I have an APEC business travel card by virtue of my Australian passport which enables

me to stay in Thailand for long periods but this doesn't allow me to work in Thailand.

But I previously held a Non B visa in my British passport as well as work permit in tandem

with my APEC card.

I have totally lost touch with the current rules regarding starting a company in Thailand

and the chances or otherwise are getting a work permit in particular with the recent

Foreign Business Act ( I am confused as to what legislation was eventually passed

regarding all this and what elements were rescinded ).

If I established a service company with one other Thai person as a partner in the

Company ( apart from the 4 Thai

employees I realise also have to be employed ) holding the majority

share ownership, rights and everything :-

1. Would I be eligible for work permit through that company?

2. I would be providing all the capital - is 2 million baht still required under this arrangement?

3. I can argue I would be needed for the enterprise I have in mind because

I have all the knowledge and experience and my aim would be to teach the

Thai shareholder how to run and develop the business.

By the way , it's not necessary for anyone to comment on the wisdom of entering into

what to some may appear as a one-sided arrangement- I'm fully aware

of the risks involved of doing this with a single Thai partner.

[samran]

maybe a long shot, but it might be worth looking at Austrade and consulting the Thai-Australia FTA. A number of sectors were liberalised there, so you may be in an area where you can get majority control.

[midas]

maybe a long shot, but it might be worth looking at Austrade and consulting the Thai-Australia FTA. A number of sectors were liberalised there, so you may be in an area where you can get majority control.

Thanks Samran - I just sent them an email - lets see !

[midas]

Thanks again Samran ! I was totally unaware of the FTA !

You were right - there are now very substantial benefits for Australians

undertaking business in Thailand and I find it very interesting that

they have also agreed to " relax a number of its restrictive

conditions relating to visas and work permits " for Aussie citizens !

[Razr]

Thanks again Samran ! I was totally unaware of the FTA !

You were right - there are now very substantial benefits for Australians

undertaking business in Thailand and I find it very interesting that

they have also agreed to " relax a number of its restrictive

conditions relating to visas and work permits " for Aussie citizens !

That's interesting indeed.. Details?

[midas]

Thanks again Samran ! I was totally unaware of the FTA !

You were right - there are now very substantial benefits for Australians

undertaking business in Thailand and I find it very interesting that

they have also agreed to " relax a number of its restrictive

conditions relating to visas and work permits " for Aussie citizens !

That's interesting indeed.. Details?

Hi Razr ! The FTA is quite involved so my advice if you are interested is to contact

Khun Pannalak Lieokomol who is a very efficient and knowledgeable person and is

Business Development Manager responsible for Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement issues.

He is at the Austrade office at the Australian Embassy in Sathorn Road.